2014 High School Bridge Program to China

Introduction to “Chinese Bridge Summer Camp for American High School Students”

The “Chinese Bridge Summer Camp for American High School Students” is sponsored by Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters in cooperation with various Confucius Institute in the U.S. for American high school students to experience Chinese language and culture on the summer holidays for two weeks (July 17th – August 1st).

Since being launched in 2007, American high school students have been invited to participate in the summer camp in China, which plays a positive role in promoting the understanding of high school students of Chinese language and culture, improving their Chinese level and enhancing the friendship between the youth of China and the U.S.

1. Mission Statement

The “Chinese Bridge Summer Camp for American High School Students” aims to promote exchange between the youth of China and the United States and enhance the understanding of American high school students of Chinese language and culture, thus to stimulate their interest in Chinese learning.

2. Camp Activities

During the program, students will be visiting Beijing and 1 other province in China (Location TBD). They will be studying Chinese language and culture (paper-cutting, calligraphy, brush painting, tea ceremony, martial arts, etc.), participating in various sports and cultural activities (friendly basketball matches, international student get-togethers, host family experiences, etc.); and visiting points of interest of China’s long history and sites of natural beauty.

3. Application

a. Qualifications to Apply

Students currently enrolled in credited public/private high schools who meet the following qualities:

1) American citizen 2) High school students; age between 14 and 18; grades from 9 to 12. 3) Non-Chinese learning background and less than three years of Chinese learning experiences 4) Have great interests in Chinese language and culture. 5) Healthy enough for international travel.

Group teachers are required to meet the following qualities:

1) Respect and understand Chinese culture. 2) Good at communication and adaptable to new environments. 3) With K-12 teaching experiences. 4) Highly experience in student management. 5) Healthy enough for international travel. 6) Under 50 years old.

Chaperons also need to perform the following duties:

1) Assist Confucius Institute in pre-departure training for students. 2) Participate in all summer camp activities with students and comply with requirements. 3) Take the primary responsibilities for the safety of students during summer camp. 4) Help students adapt the environment and provide guidance for them. 5) Accompany students in emergency situation and provide help to contact their families. 6) Collect students’ feedbacks and hand in reports to Confucius Institute.

b. Application and Selection Procedure

Qualified applicants need to submit their application form by March 10th, 2014, together with personal application letter and a recommendation letter from schools or teachers to respective Confucius Institutes. Group teachers should also submit their resumes to respective Confucius Institutes. Individual Confucius Institute will conduct primary selections in accordance with the application materials, identify qualified candidates, and summarize information into a list which will be submitted to Hanban for the final decision. Hanban will inform each Confucius Institute with the final selection results in April.

4. Program Costs

Students and teachers are responsible for the costs of round-trip air tickets, passport, Chinese visa and international travel insurance. Confucius Institute Headquarters will assume all the costs for accommodations, local transportation, and all group activities and sightseeing for students and group teachers during their stay in China.

5. Students Comments

(1) China is one of the most beautiful countries I have been to. Its natural beauty and friendly people changed my perception of China. Now, greatest wish is to improve my Chinese level and go back to see my lovely friends in China.

–by Lauren Stotts from Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics

–卡拉尼（Kalani High School）Xiu Xiu Cooney

b. The summer camp is fantastic! I love all the activities and all the participants. I hope this program will never end. Thank you!